Norman Louis Jelsma

1930 - 2021

Jelsma, Norman Norman "Norm" Louis Jelsma, aged 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Pilgrim Manor. He was born on May 9, 1930, to Oscar and Jennie (Vander Woude) Jelsma in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended Union High School and served in the United States Army. Norm married Shirley De Boer on May 12, 1951, at Second Congregational Church. He worked at Greenleaf Dairy as a milkman and Holland Motor Express as a truck driver, where he retired. Norm and Shirley first met when Shirley would come to the service station where Norm worked. While both were on a vacation at Little Pine Island Lake, their love was found, and they began dating. Both found serenity of the woods and waters of the Leelanau Peninsula and the balance it brought to their life. Norm enjoyed playing cards with friends at the Casino Club, bowling on his league and playing rounds of golf. In his early years he served on the board at the Casino Club. Norm liked quiet times working in their flower garden and the gardens of friends and family. Michigan vacations each year were always special. Norm was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Jennie Jelsma, his wife Shirley Jelsma, Brothers, John (Evelyn) Jelsma and Gordon Jelsma. Sisters, Florence (James) Berrevots, Betty (Gerald "Dutch") Keulen, and Doris (Charles) Norton. Norm is survived by his loving family; Sister in laws, Nancy Jelsma and Judy Peck; Children, Barbara (John) Williams and Norman (Jodi Wilterdink) Jelsma Jr., and Rhonda Jelsma. Grandchildren, Jeremy Williams, Jason (Laura) Williams, Matthew (Amber) Jelsma, and Melissa (Jess Ellis) Jelsma; Great Grandchildren, Brayden, Lucas, and Olivia Williams and Madison and Andrew Jelsma; Many nieces, nephews and their families; Several "adopted" children who made his life fulfilled. It was Norm's request his body be cremated and his spirit soars. A private family Celebration of Life will be held for both Norm and Shirley on Wednesday June 30, 2021. For those desiring, please consider a memorial contribution in Norm's memory, to the Nature Conservancy, Michigan Chapter, 2840 E. Grand River Ave. #5, East Lansing, MI 48823.